The St. Regis Langkawi, The Ultimate Luxury Stay in Malaysia

Bringing with it a century old reputation for art and architecture, personalized butler service and undeniably luxurious experiences, St. Regis has landed on the shores of Langkawi and promises guests a grand celebration of past and present with uncompromising elegance and hospitality. Rooms, dining, services and facilities have been especially crafted for modern connoisseurs of the finest life has to offer, and I’m sure John Jacob Astor IV himself (the man responsible for the original opening in New York over 100 years ago) would be proud.

The St. Regis’ latest home, Langkawi, is one of the most convenient destinations for a weekend getaway in Malaysia outside of the capital itself. Direct one-hour flights from Kuala Lumpur (and other parts of the country and world too) are met with swift luggage and immigration services, setting us afoot the island in less than 15 minutes after landing.

And, upon touchdown, The St. Regis Langkawi ensures our entire stay on the picturesque island is a fabulous one from start to finish. They say no good story starts with a salad, but rather a stiff drink, but in this case it’s The St. Regis Langkawi’s gold Bentley airport transfer that has us off to fairytale beginnings, and later on upon arrival, the brand’s signature Bloody Mary does well to further lubricate the mood for the rest of the stay.

Eighty-five suites and four over-water villas are set amongst ancient rainforest and aquamarine Andaman Sea. Our St. Regis Pool Suite is a spacious lodging with a separate living room, en-suite bathroom and patio leading out to a private garden with pool. The pool is large enough to get a few strokes in in each lap, and both sun chairs and a daybed border it. Powerful massage jets in underwater seats get a good workout during our visit. Beyond our little hedge boundary is the beach itself, and I can’t do adequate justice in words to describe just how wonderful it is to wake each morning to the sight of the sea.

The beach at our doorstep is a private one groomed by The St. Regis team. Regular maintenance rakes in white sand, and a boundary has been built a little further out in the bay assisting in keeping the water, jellyfish and trash free. At a slightly greater distance, boats cruise to and fro creating rhythmic paths across the backdrop of the many verdant jungle outcrops that make up the Langkawi islands. On one morning we take a walk with resident naturalist John Kumaran Selva, who enlightens us to the history of Langkawi and some of its native flora and fauna. Mostly though, we find our own private pool overlooking the palm lined beach, and a hammock a few steps away, too seductive to be lured too much further afield than our own suite.

Adding to the appeal of never leaving our suite is the full butler service that facilitates our stay (and those of every suite and villa on the property). Bag unpacking and repacking, coffee and tea making, recommendations of attractions and things to do on the island and within the resort, turn down service, dressing tables for in-room dining (find our suggestions for what to order here)– with someone waiting on us at the call of a button, you can understand our contentment with staying in right?

The moments that we do choose to move, as you might imagine, mostly circle around food. Kuah town is just down the road if we’d like to dine on some local grub. The St. Regis Langkawi however does have some memorable options that continue to make our election of staying in, much more attractive than heading out. Making the most of the natural setting the six food and beverage outlets are not only worth visiting for their menus, but the stunning locations as well.

The stilted architecture of Kayuputi Specialty Restaurant running out to and over the water, furnishes sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. An appointment for sunset cocktails is a fine way to begin an evening-long discovery of contemporary Asian cuisine in this beautiful sanctum. Read our recommendations for what to order here.

L’Orangerie, The St. Regis Langkawi’s signature restaurant, on the other hand is nestled into the hillside. Glass walls ensure tropical rays flood the room with cheery natural light, while lush jungle and glimmering sea supply stimulating views. Find some of our favoured dishes in this article.

We feel like explorers stumbling across a clandestine treasure in the jungle when we step inside the The St. Regis Bar. Etchings of a banyan tree stretch across the length of the backdrop wall and giant 200kg fossil wood tables furnish the setting. Follow this link for our most loved tipples. The Pool Bar provides an option to wet one’s whistle during the day, with a light food menu to go with it.

Hampers, pastries, sandwiches, delicatessen goodies or a just a hot cuppa, are all found at the Gourmand Deli, and afternoon tea or a casual beverage are taken up a notch in The Drawing Room Lounge. Again, click here and here for photos, prices and tips.

A small putting and chipping gold course next to our room reminds us of the necessity of burning off a few calories, and we’re appreciative of the well-equipped St. Regis Athletic Club. Quality cardio machines and strength equipment offer the latest in technology and chilled towels, lemon infused water, and jars of dried fruits and nuts go beyond the average fitness room offerings.

You might think this all sounds beyond dreamy so far – private pool suite looking out to the bay, butler service, food and beverage outlets in beautiful settings – but, it does get even better…

Iridium Spa.

Just as the rare and precious element iridium reminds us of the treasures of our earth, Iridium Spa ascertains the value of time and wellness. It’s here, in this peaceful haven of elegance at The St. Regis Langkawi, that we experience a warp in time. A whole afternoon disappears and we emerge again, hours later, feeling as if we’ve just been part of some mystical journey of timelessness. Read this link for a peek inside heaven and a look at some of the spa’s signature treatments.

Looking for paradise? We found it at The St. Regis Langkawi!

Reasons to visit: pretty location on a private bay; pool suites are heavenly (especially the ones farthest from the building that roll out directly to the beach); don’t miss an experience at Kayuputi restaurant, a cocktail in The St. Regis Bar and an unforgettable session in Iridium Spa.

The St. Regis Langkawi
Jalan Pantai Beringin
Langkawi
07000 Malaysia
www.stregislangkawi.com
+6 04 960 6666